APRILIA ATLANTIC 500 - OWNER REVIEWS

SUBMIT REVIEW2003 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 1000 - 5000 MilesLikes: This is a very comfortable touring scooterDislikes: If I had any complaints it’s that the windshield is small, but I replaced it with a Givi screen.Review:“This scooter is comfortable and easy to control. Aprilia makes smaller scooters for the USA, but the Atlantic 500 was discontinued after 2004. Gas milage is good and it also has an onboard computer. This was something real new for scooters in 2003 and 2004.”

2003 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 MilesLikes: Comfort, power, ease of maintenance, looksDislikes: Parts are getting difficult to findReview:“The Atlantic 500 is a reasonably powerful, reliable and comfortable scooter. In city riding it is somewhat ponderous, but has a very nice ride on the open highway. It is the largest touring scooter which has the engine pivoting with the swing arm - making it mechanically simpler than those with fixed (in the frame) engines, like the Silverwing, T-Max and Burgman.”

2003 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 MilesLikes: Standard seating position, fuel efficiency, carrying capacity, engine performance, looks, sound!Dislikes: Suspension is taught like a sport bike. Had to get custom shocks with LESS damping and fatter rear tire.Review:“I put lighter fork oil in it as well, but I think slightly softer springs, a bit longer (more preload) to keep the ride height the same and lighter fork oil still will get it closer to my Helix in ride quality. The roads up her in New England are not like the roads in Italy, but with some fine tuning, this bike can be a great touring machine. Prices on the used market now are attractive and parts are readily available now that Piaggio has taken over Aprilia. If you get one check the AF1 Racing forum, and change out the thermostat and probably the voltage regulator. If you do this before the problems start, you may have the best long term reliable ride you can buy for the price. I'm getting ~65-68 mpg. At first I didn't like removing the plastic to work on it, but the more I do it the easier it becomes. Oil changes are not very difficult, but get the right filter wrench and an offset funnel and it's fine.

I've ridden the Majesty, and the new and older Burgman 400s. I think the Aprilia is a stronger machine.”

2003 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 MilesLikes: Power, reliability, highway ride, price when usedDislikes: Body panel fit, gas mileage, stiff ride, glovebox storageReview:“First things first if you think an oil change on this scooter is hard then you should not be doing oil changes. A child can do it in under 10 minutes. Also parts for this scooter are incredibly easy to find and are well priced even after being out of the market for over 10 years. Ever hear of Google?

I am a heavy guy at 360lbs and I have a heavy right hand and I am still getting 60mpg in the city and around 55mpg highway doing a steady 80mph. Top speed so far with riding a flat road is 101mph measured by GPS.

For the guys who say buy a Burgman instead of this is silly at best. Even at 650cc the Atlantic has the same horsepower 40 versus 44hp. The gas mileage is far greater on the Atlantic and you don't have to remove body work like on the Burgman to check the oil.”

2003 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 5000 - 10,000 MilesLikes: Most comfortable scooter I have ever ridden. Well designed, balanced and powerfully fast.Dislikes: Dealers are scare, but mechanics know these bikes and parts are still available.Review:“Rides like the Cadillac Eldorado of motor-scooters. This is a long distance riding bike. I’ve taken it hundreds of miles at a time. You really don't mind taking the longer distance scenic routes.

I cracked my windscreen by mishap, replaced it with a Givi larger windscreen - an improvement to be for sure. Computer on board is cool, supplies much information. Tells me what fuel mileage I am getting at all times. Optimum is for me in the 50-55mph range getting 75mpg. It even tells me what the ambient temperature is sitting or moving. As well as all the necessary info on fuel, oil and motor stats at all times.

Fastest I have taken it is just north of 80 mph, on the interstate. And still there was lots of throttle left. The people at Aprilia USA are very helpful, great warranty. I have been riding motorcycles for 45 years since I was just 13. I suspect this bike will be the last I'll need until I decide to ride no more.

Note: Anyone who tells you it's hard to find parts for these... doesn't know how to use the internet.”2004 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 1000 - 5000 MilesLikes: Heavy enough to trust it on bumps and cornersDislikes: Not many, however it’s not a Harley or GoldwingReview:“Very dependable - it starts every time. It’s a good ride but I miss a full sized motorcycle. It can`t be too bad, as I have kept the Atlantic for 5 years and 5000 miles. I plan on moving back up to a 1200-1600cc motorcycle.”2004 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 5000 - 10,000 MilesLikes: Very comfortable maxi scooter that looks and handles different than other scooters.Dislikes: -Review:“I have a 2004 Atlantic that I ride weekly. I chose this scooter over a Yamaha Majesty because it looks different then most maxi scooters. I was surprised how comfortable the ride can be. There were known problems with the thermostat and regulator which both needed replacement, but after that the scooter holds up very well. Most Vespa dealers service these scooters and AF1 racing still maintain parts for it and supports a forum the community.

I purchased a larger windscreen, highway pegs, and other accessories that Aprilia still have for the scooter. Great scooter!!!!”2004 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 MilesLikes: Dual disc brakes up front, Fuel economy, comfort, speed.Dislikes: Battery life, low production numbers.Review:“For a Maxi-scooter, the Atlantic was a pioneer back in 2001. It gets great mileage, and has better brakes than a Silverwing. The MASTER engine is dependable, and I would highly recommend this one if you are looking for a good used scooter.”2004 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 MilesLikes: Not one thing.Dislikes: Wind will blow this light weight scooter all over. It’s hard to keep in the correct lane. Parts are hard to find. No dealer will take it on a trade. It’s a dead elephant and I will never own another.Review:“POS, but a fast ride for a 500cc scooter. PMG is okay. Parts are rare and there’s not many dealers. Buy a Burgman or Silverwing.”2004 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 10,000 - 20,000 MilesLikes: HP was a good factorDislikes: Body stye is ugly, Changing the oil was a pain, Getting parts was far and few between and finding a dealer to take it on trade was almost impossible. Wind was a factor due to a major issues with the tall Givi shield.Review:“I was not at all happy with my Atlantic 500. I owned it for 2 months and then finally found a dealer who would take it on trade. I got a 2008 Burgman 400. It’s the best bike I’ve had out of the 10 bikes I’ve had since spring. I had a silver wing but it was top heavy and the Helix was to small You do not ever want an Aprilia Atlantic 500. I could not find parts locally, only over seas. Changing the oil was a nightmare. The drain plus is over the center stand and the oil filter has a cover and only about 3” of the filter can be seen. It takes a special wrench to remove it as the flutes are different then most filters. I never did get the filter changed.

The leg room is ok if you have small legs. MPG was ok, Speed mph was ok. The body style was ugly. I hated this scoot so it’s finally gone. I had a hard time finding a dealer to take it on trade, I got a 2008 Burgman 400. This one is a keeper.”

2004 APRILIA ATLANTIC 500Milage: 1000 - 5000 MilesLikes: Nice unique design; I still receive many compliments on the look of the scooter. Accelerates quickly as engine is quite responsive for a scooter. Although no longer sold in the US, the scooter dealer I brought it from is still in business and services the scooter keeping it in great shape.Dislikes: Battery life was a problem but I solved this by purchasing a charger so I can just plug it in when I not riding over any extended time.Review:“This scooter has serviced me extremely well over the years. I would sell it but only because I don't need it as I no longer use it for the original intent for which it was purchased. Still a great comfortable fun ride that I enjoy when I get the time to take it out. I don't believe there is a better value for a used scooter on the market.”